Panama’s President, José Mulino, announced that he might bring the issue to the United Nations Security Council if Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, does not cease his statements regarding the country.
This was reported by Politico, citing former Panamanian leader Ernesto Balladares. Previously, Trump declared his intention to discuss with Panama’s authorities the possibility of returning the Panama Canal to U.S. control. According to him, Panama imposes excessive tariffs on U.S. military vessels and has violated the terms of the agreement made after the canal’s transfer. Trump also emphasized that the management of this strategic asset is now effectively in Chinese hands.
According to the former President of Panama, Mulino is awaiting Trump’s inauguration to determine whether he intends to maintain this stance. Balladares added that the current leader of Panama has not mentioned other potential steps but noted that many in the country share his outrage over Trump’s remarks.
José Mulino previously condemned Trump’s statements, calling them a manifestation of “gross historical ignorance.” He reminded that the Panama Canal fully belongs to Panama under a treaty signed in 1977, with its transfer completed on December 31, 1999. The Torrijos-Carter Agreements abolished the canal zones, recognized Panama’s sovereignty, and transferred the canal’s management to the national authorities.
